stupid question, I know

I know this is a stupid query but I have no idea how to get a passport - I'm American. I've never travelled international before.
Could someone please tell me step by step how to get a passport and where to get it? Any fees, etc?
Thanks!

Hi,

Not sure where you are from or if things are the same there. But here in Minnesota I went to the Department of Motor Vehicles at the courthouse and got the application. It's pretty self explanatory once you get it. Can't remember exactly but I think total I paid around $100 if I recall that included the photos. You'll need to get two passport photos and have a certified copy of your birth certificate to send in with the application. This site may help http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html and not a stupid question at all, I had no clue how to go about it all either until I did it! 

Here, in New Mexico, you can get the passport application and your pics taken at the post office. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate to turn in to the post office with your fees and completed application. The form that I have doesn't say how long it takes to process your passport under normal circumstances, but you can pay extra to get it within a week for $60 more.

Where I was living (Rhode Island), you could get the form from the post office, but they didn't do pictures. Lots of places, however, take passport pics, so it's not a problem. Branches of AA do it, photo shops do it, travel agents, etc. Just call around.

We got ours done at Walgreens. 

We got ours done at Walgreens. 

Really!!!!!!!

I did post office first time, renewed by post.

Thanks!
That helped me a lot. :-D

Girl, go to the POST OFFICE! that's where i got mine. They did everything for me, took my photo,  helped me sign up ( which is so easy ) and they send everything off for you. Bring your birth certificate  ID and a pen to write with. and maybe something to press down on . You know places dont provide that mess.
 and just go in and sign up. it may take a month or so for you to recieve it but its worth it. Mine was like  100 dollars and that included my photo fee. you can always call the local post office  go to www.usps.com  and click the link that says " find a local post office" and then call one of ur post office near you, they will tell you where you can get one. Then call that office that they suggest and ask them exactly how much it is for everything. Thats what I did. It was so not a hassle as i thought it would be.

 Shala
(PS EVERYONE hates thier Passport photo. so when u get it back, dont worry, its not you. )_